Five Dead Including Three Children in Paterson Halloween House Fire

A tragic house fire in Paterson, New Jersey, on Halloween night claimed the lives of five family members, including three children aged 14, 12, and 7. The victims, a 39-year-old man, his 38-year-old wife, and their children, were found on the second floor of a two-family home, which was engulfed rapidly due to strong winds and the fire starting on the first floor. Firefighters arrived shortly after the blaze was reported and managed to control the fire, but two firefighters were hospitalized after battling the intense flames that even melted the siding of a neighboring house. The family was related to New Jersey assemblyman Al Abdelaziz, who confirmed their identities and expressed his sorrow. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh expressed deep mourning over the loss and noted the difficulty of the tragedy amid his tenure, while the American Red Cross has been assisting the seven survivors of the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities encourage anyone with information to come forward.